COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Maury Regional Medical Center will sponsor a free seminar titled “Medicare in 2012” on Tuesday, September 20. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Auxiliary Conference Room on the medical center’s first floor.

Jan Graves, coordinator of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), will provide information about what changes are ahead for Medicare in the coming year. “Every year brings changes to the Medicare system and 2012 will be no different,” said Graves. “Those who need to make new choices for their coverage will find the annual enrollment period taking place earlier than usual.”

At the upcoming seminar, Graves will discuss the new annual enrollment period approved by Congress. This year’s enrollment period will be held from October 15 until December 7, with changes taking effect on January 1. Graves will also explain the importance of performing a plan comparison on a yearly basis and will discuss how to use the Medicare Web site to compare different plans. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.